Unauthorised Encampment Policy

Arising from a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) for
the Community Policy Development Group had recommended that Cabinet
and then to Council adopt the Unauthorised Encampment Policy
subject to a further review by the legal department, following the
review it was agreed that consultation take place on the proposed
policy. This report finalises the
procedure for approval.

Arising from a * report of the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) the
Community Policy Development Group had recommended that Cabinet and
then Council adopt the Unauthorised
Encampment Policy subject to a further review by the legal
department, following the review it was agreed that consultation
take place on the proposed policy.

The
Cabinet Member for Housing outlined the contents of the report
stating that at the present time, the authority did not have a
policy in place for responding to and enforcing on unauthorised
encampments on land owned by the District Council. He explained the consultation process that had
taken place with the town and parish councils and the county
council. The policy set out guidance
explaining how the authority would deal with unauthorised
encampments on its land; the policy was deemed to be firm but
fair.

Consideration was given to the consultation process and that
this was seen as positive engagement, also that a flowchart had
been produced which would allow for quick reference.

RECOMMENDEDto Council
that: the proposed corporate policy and procedure for managing and
enforcing unauthorised encampments as detailed in Annex A be
adopted and implemented.

To
receive a report from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) seeking
Cabinet approval for the adoption of a corporate policy and
procedure for responding to unauthorised encampments on land owned
by Mid Devon District Council.

The
Committee considered a *report from the Group Manager for Corporate
and Commercial Assets outlining the draft policy and procedure for
the Unauthorised Encampment Policy.

He
explained that the Policy was required to commit to the work that
had previously been completed by the Cabinet and informal groups
which included members of the travelling community.

Discussion took place regarding the five key stages of the
process and the Group Manager for Corporate and Commercial Assets
provided Members with an update flow chart of the
process.

He
explained that the MDDC process was closely aligned to the DCC
policy to ensure that there was a synergy between the two
authorities processes.

In
response to questions posed he explained that a traveller family
was defined by the use of six or more vehicles and that if a
temporary encampment was allowed to remain it was unlikely that the
Council could impose Council Tax collection and enforce
it.

He
further explained that although the policy was complete he wanted
the Council’s legal team to have a further overview of the
legal terminology used.

It
was RECOMMENDED to Cabinet and then to Council to
adopt the Unauthorised Encampment Policy subject to a further
review by the Legal department, the inclusion of the new flowchart,
and any other minor spelling changes having been carried
out.